CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

By: Sade Jordan

Donisha Grier

Congestive Heart Failure

is a condition in which

the heart can no longer

pump enough blood to

the rest of the body.

WHAT HAPPENS. . ?{PATHOPHYSIOLOGY}

Shortness of breath with activity,

or after lying down for a while.

Cough

Swelling of feet and ankles

Swelling of the abdomen

Weight gain

Irregular or rapid pulse

Difficulty sleeping

Loss of appetite

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

WHO GETS IT?

• Congestive heart failure is the most common reason for hospitalization among the

elderly. More than three million Americans have congestive heart failure, and as the

population ages the incidence of congestive heart failure is rising rapidly.

• Men are at higher risk than women.

• People of African descent are at higher risk and are more likely to die from

congestive heart failure than Caucasians.

• A family history of early congestive heart failure caused by cardiomyopathies may

be more likely to get it.

Keep your blood pressure , heart

rate, and cholesterol under control

as recommended by your doctor.

This may involve exercise, and

medications.

•Eat a heart-healthy diet low in

salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol

•Quit smoking, if you smoke

•Lose weight, if you are

overweight.

PREVENTION

DIAGNOSED..!

Doctors can usually make a diagnosis of congestive heart failure

based upon physical exam.

Diagnostic tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG),

an echocardiogram (cardiac echo), and cardiac catheterization.

TREATMENT..!

If you have heart failure, your doctor will monitor you closely.

You will have follow up appointments at least every 3 to 6 months

and tests to check your heart function.

Other important measures include:• Take your medications as directed. • Don’t smoke.• Stay active. example, walk or ride a stationary bicycle.

Your doctor can provide a safe and effective exercise plan based on your degree of heart failure.

• Lose weight if you are overweight.• Get enough rest, including after exercise, eating, or other

activities. This allows your heart to rest as well. Keep your feet elevated to decrease swelling.

Heart failure is a serious disorder.

It is usually a chronic illness, which

may get worse with infection or

other physical stress..!

The prognosis of patients with

heart failure is generally poor; and

in several series 50% of the patients

with severe symptoms died within 12

months. In less severe heart failure,

mortality approaches 50% in 3 to 4

years.

WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS..?

SADE JORDAN

&&

DONISHA GRIER